Considering Surgery for Your Sinusitis

On extreme cases of sinusitis or sinus infection, surgery is considered, especially if the condition is chronic. If you are presented with surgery as an option for your treatment, there are many factors you have to consider before going through the procedure.

Every surgery has risks. Only you can decide if the benefits are worth the risks. Keep in mind the facts you have to learn.

• What type of surgery will it be? Get a description of the surgery.


• Why does your physician think you need the surgery for your sinus infection?


• Are there other options besides surgery?

To get an idea on what is involved in sinus surgery, read on about one type of surgery that treats sinus infections = an endoscopic sinus surgery.

Also called endoscopy or sinoscopy, this is a procedure used to remove blockage in the sinuses. These blockages cause sinusitis, a condition in which the sinuses swell and become clogged causing pain and impaired breathing. A thin lighted instrument called an endoscope is inserted into the nose and the doctor looks inside through an eyepiece. The endoscope beams light into different parts of the nose and the camera lens on it allows the doctor to see what is causing the blockages. Surgical instruments can be used along with the endoscope to remove the blockages and improve breathing. This surgery does not involve cutting through the skin as it is performed entirely through the nostrils.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored by a nurse. Most people can go home the same day following an endoscopy after you have recovered from the anesthetic. This usually takes several hours.

When you get home, be sure to rest properly and elevate your head on 2 or 3 pillows. This will minimize edema and swelling. Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days.

Swelling on your nose, upper lip, cheeks or around your eyes for several days after surgery is a normal occurrence. This will gradually go away. You can help reduce this swelling by keeping ice on your face, bridge of your nose and eyes as much as you can tolerate. This will also help with post operative edema and pain.

Some bleeding from the nose is normal and will gradually decrease. Change your gauze dressing at least every hour or when it is saturated for the first 24 hours. After a few days, you will probably not need to use the dressing any longer. Do not take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 3 weeks following the surgery.

Antibiotics will be prescribed for you after the surgery. You should complete the antibiotic regimen and finish all the pills. A narcotic like vicodin or hydrocodone may also be prescribed and is to be taken only when needed. If you are prescribed narcotics, you are cautioned not to drive. In some situations your doctor may give you steroids to be taken preoperatively and/or post operatively. It is very important that you take your medication as prescribed and not discontinue it just because you start to feel better. If you don’t see any improvements or your condition worsens or you develop an unexpected reaction, consult your doctor. You should not take other medications unless you have discussed it with your doctor.